Gurander lays foundation for Vehicle TechLab
Volvo Group is expanding research and development operations in India, its largest development site outside Sweden, while setting targets of achieving net-zero value chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040, cutting CO2 emissions of its vehicles by 40% by 2030 and aiming for 50% of its trucks sold to be electric vehicles.
“India is going to play a key role in this transformation journey as Volvo Group’s largest R&D site outside Sweden, along with our other global support functions located here,” said Deputy CEP Kam Gurander as he laid the foundation for the ‘Vehicle TechLab’ for Volvo Group’s research and development operations in India.
R&D operations in India have now become its largest development site outside Sweden, said the group which operates from tech-capital of Bengaluru.
In July 2021, it had launched CampX Volvo Group’s Global Innovation Arena in India, the first site outside Sweden.
Volvo Group has one of the most ambitious SBTi (Science-Based Targets initiative) in the industry, Gurander said on 17 Mar 2022.
The Swedish group is in the midst of a global organisation-wide business transformation to adopt emerging technologies, as well as new business models, across automation, electro-mobility and connectivity, he said.
By 2030, 50% of group revenues will come from services and solutions.
Volvo Group Trucks Technology employs more than 1,600 engineers in India, and plans to expand the engineering team significantly in the coming years, said the group, adding that the current set up includes a host of facilities such as vehicle garages, electrical and electronics lab, AR/VR lab and access to proving grounds.
“At Volvo Group in India, we are proud to be playing a key role in shaping the future of the global world of transportation,” added Volvo Group, India, President & MD Kamal Bali.
The increased focus on product and project responsibility within Volvo Group’s R&D operations in India, has led to a demand for a framework that will support the enhancement of product knowledge and prototype validation capability within India, said the statement.
“Today, this capability is being enhanced with the set-up of the Vehicle TechLab which is a first in the industry in India. This lab can house complete trucks, chassis and aggregates,” the statement said.
It also has various supporting equipment for engineers to test, innovate, validate and experiment their ongoing work – through a set up equipped with driving simulators, test benches, 3D scanners among various other tools and systems.
“This Vehicle TechLab is designed as a collaborative virtual workspace creating a simulated workshop environment, using technologies like virtual reality, human body motion tracking and realistic digital rendering of vehicles that allows Volvo Engineers across the globe to connect and collaborate virtually,” explained Volvo Group Trucks Technology, India, Vice President CR Vishwanath.
The lab facility will significantly reduce the development times, improve problem solving and offer better insights and speed in building innovative solutions, he added.
Volvo is also working on a range of areas such as general vehicle technology, electric, autonomous as well as connectivity solutions. fiinews.com
